Rip City Project
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Portland Trail Blazers: A Potential Trade With Every NBA Team

By Spencer Poole

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Milwaukee Bucks

Why It Makes Sense for the Portland Trail Blazers

If the Trail Blazers even think about trading CJ McCollum, it needs to be for a player with real all-star capabilities. Coming off back to back all-star appearances, Khris Middleton certainly fits the bill.

While he is not quite the scorer McCollum is, Middleton’s more well-rounded game will complement the Blazers well. He’s a big defensive upgrade at the small forward position and is an underrated facilitator. Look no further than his six assists per game in the 2020 playoffs.

At the same time, the move would open up room for Gary Trent Jr. to jump into the starting lineup. With a starting lineup of Lillard-Trent-Middleton-Anthony and Nurkic, the Trail Blazers would be looking a whole lot better defensively while keeping the core values of their high octane offense.

Why It Makes Sense for the Milwaukee Bucks

Middleton just had the best season of his career in which he was just a few shots away from joining the heralded 50/40/90 club. So it must be asked why the Bucks would ever be willing to trade him?

The answer lies in Middleton’s playoff performances. For the second straight postseason, Middleton underperformed under pressure. His field goal percentage took a nosedive, down to under 40 percent while at the same time taking more shots at over 18 per game.

Along with Middleton, Milwaukee’s guards struggled to score in the playoffs, especially Eric Bledsoe. The Bucks desperately need a guard who can create his own shot and carry the offense when Giannis struggles.

CJ McCollum is the perfect solution. He’s averaged over 20 points per game each of the past five seasons while being one of the most prolific individual shot creators in the league. His defensive struggles can easily be masked by Milwaukee’s league-leading defensive corps.

Zach Collins gives Milwaukee a young big man with plenty of potential. With nearly all of their big men on the wrong side of 30, Collins offers Milwaukee a replacement in the long term for their aging center corps.